Iris Scott is a finger painting artist based in New York City, Brooklyn. Iris makes her color-saturated canvases burst with movement using a form of textural Impressionism all her own, and without using a brush. “There’s nothing between me and the paint - I feel all the tiny nuances. I can manipulate thick paint with my fingers in ways brushes never could." Her paintings portray a dreamy yet dynamic world - a heightened, lusher version of reality. "I want my paintings to be both an escape from our everyday life, and an intensification of the recognizable.” Whether she is painting landscapes, an urban scene, a figurative piece, or her trademark shaking dogs, Iris' large body of work is a celebration of all that is wild.

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Artist and Customer Comments

Redwoods

T Korblick purchased this artwork. 10/10/2016 | 12:56 AM

I love my new piece of artwork! This is my first major art purchase and I could not be happier. The painting is beautiful, the colors so vibrant. Even more lovely than the photos on line. Thank you Iris! I love, love, love this!

Redwoods

T Korblick purchased this artwork. 10/10/2016 | 12:56 AM

I love my new piece of artwork! This is my first major art purchase and I could not be happier. The painting is beautiful, the colors so vibrant. Even more lovely than the photos on line. Thank you Iris! I love, love, love this!

K Harrison 7/20/2016 | 9:38 AM

Hi Iris, I purchased Canis Major and LOVE IT. For my birthday, my friend gave me your new book, so I purchased your kit at the art supply company to try my own fingerpainting. What an inspiration you are!

Abstract Study

K Burke 6/26/2016 | 12:09 PM

As beautiful as Iris's paintings are on a computer screen, they are 100 times better in person! Wow! The texture and vibrancy of color are surpassed by no other artists that I have seen. Thank you so much for Foxy and Shaking off the Cosmos! I will treasure them always...

Blue Evergreens

EG 1/5/2013 | 12:50 AM

What a great talent! Thank you, Iris, from a very happy owner of Takenobu's Pheasant

J McLaughlin 11/15/2012 | 2:10 PM

Wanted to commend you on Rock Creek. Looks great in my home and transports me off the east coast every time I look at it. Reminds me of being home in WA chasing these guys with a fly rod.

Doseman 11/15/2012 | 1:33 PM

Iris, Blue Evergreens is beautiful. Amazing work as always..

E Bekker 11/12/2012 | 1:31 PM

Wow, discovered your work via pinterest. Think you are amazing.

Bluebird

K Wong purchased this artwork. 6/2/2012 | 10:09 PM

Basement of the country estate. Party sounds pulse in and out, or maybe that is just her heart pounding. This is her chance to escape her gilded cage. Travel light. The jewel that adorned her cage her ticket to freedom. Can she do it? Will he notice she is missing? Could he be watching her now? Bluebird, fly.

E Flowers 5/23/2012 | 9:07 AM

I love the artists unique style

K Wong 5/20/2012 | 12:07 PM

Basement of their country estate. Party sounds pulse in and out, or maybe that is just her heart pounding. This is her chance to escape her gilded cage. Travel light. The jewel that adorned her cage her ticket to freedom. Can she do it? Will he notice she is missing? Could he be watching her now? Bluebird, fly.

Iris Scott 5/19/2012 | 12:28 PM

Keri, very very happy to hear the painting found you well. I enjoyed making that painting, it was quite a bit different than my usual "look" and although some of the details appear pretty fine, they were achieved with the tip of my pinkie. Thank you for emailing me your interpretation of the scene, it was so creative, I liked it more than my own interpretation. Maybe you could post that here? I think everyone would really enjoy seeing into your creative conscious.

K Wong 5/19/2012 | 11:28 AM

I am mesmerized by my new Bluebird painting. It touched my soul from the moment I saw it. Thanks Iris.

Roses

D Lemon purchased this artwork. 4/8/2012 | 3:33 PM

I chose a frame with a caramel color sheen. It perfectly brought out the rich earth tones in the piece. The painting now sits center wall in my dining room and is mesmerizingly beautiful. Very glad to have an Iris Scott "Roses" original!

Iris Scott 4/4/2012 | 5:31 PM

Mr. Adelman, you're the best! You have an uncanny ability to pick my personal favorites.... very happy to hear the paintings found you well.

Momiji Maple

L Adelman purchased this artwork. 4/4/2012 | 10:39 AM

This one looks magnificent in person. I find myself staring at it in wonderment.

Smudges of Velvet and Violet

L Adelman purchased this artwork. 4/4/2012 | 10:38 AM

Both pieces we received from Iris are nothing short of incredible. I love her work!

Iris Scott 3/26/2012 | 4:47 PM

To Donna Lemon:
I am so glad you love your new paintings. Plus, it makes it so much more satisfying to know my little friends go to loving homes like yours.

Kite in the Dance Hall

D Lemon purchased this artwork. 3/26/2012 | 4:35 PM

Received this painting promptly, as well as safely shipped. It exceeded all of my expectations. More beautiful than I imagined. The colors and technique were so mesmerizing, it prompted me to purchase another painting from the artist. I recommend purchasing from this artist now and not waiting. She has a unique perspective, skill, and talent.

M Barrett 2/22/2012 | 6:43 PM

Ohhh...I am so sorry I didn't buy "Outside the Snorting Elk Pub" when I had the chance! Are there any reproductions of this?

Pisces

L Adelman 2/19/2012 | 12:38 PM

Simply amazing!

Iris Scott 1/28/2012 | 2:29 PM

So glad you like the art. I watched your trailers and particularly liked "Friends in Heaven." Thanks for posting.

Fire and Smoke

A Rotondi 1/28/2012 | 2:13 PM

Hey Iris, How are you. I'm actually a new film maker. I wanted to speak to you about a possibly working together. I have an interesting idea with my next film. You can se my trailers at www.youtube.com/user/mrandrewrotondi you can email me at andrew_rotondi@yahoo.com. Thank you Iris. I love your work!

Shakin' Off the Blues

O Sheehan 1/19/2012 | 2:32 PM

Love, love, love this painting Iris. Your use of colour is fantastic

Iris Scott 12/14/2011 | 10:55 PM

Dear Mr. O'Connell,
I am so totally thrilled you like the art. I may be biased, but I think your recent "relent" was a fabulous idea. "Purple Rain" is one of those paintings that glows beautifully when light is directed onto it. In low light, the figure is almost totally concealed in the shadow of the street, but with some nice light you will be pleasantly surprised to find that many colors hide within the plainly dark zones (you might consider a valance). I hung this in the living room and had a fun time watching people find the girl after I would ask, "did you notice the lady?" I had it in a traditional wide frame, which I think compliments the busy stoke style well. Congrats on your new painting, I'm sure you'll love it, this painting has been very popular, I will miss it a lot!

J O'Connell 12/14/2011 | 3:45 PM

Iris, I have been on the e-mail distribution of U-Gallery for over a year after purchasing a painting at their art sale in NYC..every time I go on, I am always drawn to your work...I finally relented and bought " purple rain " today for my wife for her Birthday..can't wait to see it in "person" !! Keep up the excellent work !!!

K Scott 11/16/2011 | 2:46 PM

Iris, I love the paintings. Great work!!

Iris Scott 11/5/2011 | 4:05 PM

Thank you, I'm honored that you do. I've got 3 new paintings completed and drying now which will be released this month. Remember you can always request additional photos of any painting on the wall, as well as close-up detail shots. Which painting are you most drawn to? All the paintings have back stories that I enjoy to tell, which upon request, are often times much longer descriptions than I post on the painting's info portion. Take care. :)

T Brown 11/4/2011 | 7:59 AM

Iris, I love all of them.

Iris Scott 10/30/2011 | 8:50 PM

Since it's Sunday I can't get your email address, however drop me a line and I will forward along my collection of beautiful detail shots of Pisces right away. You'll love 'em.

Pisces

H Yaghoobzadeh 10/30/2011 | 8:25 PM

Thank you for the thoughtful and thorough reply. I would very much appreciate more detail images by email- can you get my email from ugallery?

Iris Scott 10/25/2011 | 11:58 PM

Hello Mr. H Yaghoobzadeh.
Thank you so much for your interest in "Pisces." I can understand why you would be concerned about moisture affecting the work, this is a very good question. So I looked into the matter and reviewed an array of forums discussing this subject online. What I learned is that oils actually hold up very well to steam as long as the bathroom is not extra small and as long as there is a fan. I varnish the paintings and this adds a layer of protection as well. The forums suggest a secure frame that fits the canvas tightly. My multi-panel painting sets like "Pisces" are designed to be framed individually (skinny frames)and hung about 1/2 inch apart. I would tell the framer to string the wire tight so that it hugs the wall. If you have any more questions please don't hesitate to ask, also, I can email you additional detail shots of the painting group. The yellow flower petals actually sit atop the water and cast real shadows! Again, thank you for posting th

H Yaghoobzadeh 10/25/2011 | 10:54 PM

Your paintings have a wonderful familiar quality to them- though they are refreshingly different in technique. I am drawn to many of them. I am thinking about purchasing Pisces- but concerned because it will be hanging in a master bathroom with lots of steam. I am not sure how oil would fair. Can you give me some guidance?

Iris Scott 9/8/2011 | 2:01 AM

WHY I use a particular brand: Holbein Water-Mixable Oil Paints:
I've gone through several brands of oil paint in the past several years searching for the best paint....I've FINALLY found the perfect brand. Holbein Duo Oils are BY FAR the most consistently smooth (no lumps) plus they are the brightest. They're even HEAVIER in the palm of your hand (hopefully that's not lead haha). This line of paint also offers "luminous" colors which is just another word for "neon-like" paint. I'm not kidding, some of these colors literally appear to be emitting light, it's crazy, I don't know what's in them.....Kryptonite?
So if you're considering taking up oil painting, PLEASE spend the extra money and get GOOD oils, buy Holbein Duo (they're slow drying oils but they wash off with water, they're fantastic.)

Iris Scott 9/8/2011 | 1:53 AM

Hi T. Brown.
I didn't read the directions on how to post to specific people all the way through before, but NOW I understand this. In case you didn't receive my response, let me just say thank you so much for the kind public post. You've never seen fingerpainting like this eh? Well that makes two of us. I started fingerpainting one day and it was just so obvious immediately that the technique was totally condusive to richer paint layering and deeper swirls than a brush could ever hope for. Moreover, gloves are really easy to clean (a paper towel does the trick in a second or two) whereas a paintbrush absorbs paint, is difficult to clean, and so colors get tainted. I can switch from color to color faster and cleaner thanks to gloved fingertips....it's so cool. Which painting are you drawn to?

Iris Scott 9/8/2011 | 1:48 AM

Oh Pammy!
I'm so happy that this work is going to a local home AND a friend's home.....tell me when it's framed so I can come over and see!

Iris Scott 9/8/2011 | 1:47 AM

Hi M.N. Patil! Pleasure to make your acquaintance. First of all thank you so much for the kind words on the blog. I'm really honored that you would find my artworks desirable. :)
Fingerpainting is just sort of taking over my life. And you know what? The more I do it the more baffled I become that it's not more commonplace. Today I asked myself while painting, "why DIDN'T the masters" do this?" and then it occurred to me just how essential surgical gloves are for working with the semi-toxic oils. When it comes right down to it, fingerpainting with oils directly depended on the advent of surgical gloves in the 1960's. I bet that if latex gloves been invented during the Impressionism Movement we would see fingerpainting taught as one of the fundamental techniques alongside charcoal, pastels, collage, etc.... It just is so natural and efficient for paint application I'm amazed. Do you make art yourself? Thanks again for the posting, would love to hear more from you.....what pi

Iris Scott 9/8/2011 | 1:39 AM

Sorry I haven't responded sooner, I didn't read the directions on how to use the "post" feature to talk directly to specific people on this blog....
I SO miss the "Don't Get Wet" painting. I'm glad you liked it so much that make me really happy. It was hard to see it go this past May at the New York AAF Show. I'm so glad you asked about this piece....because I am in fact right now planning out round #2 on this concept. Last month I went on a fantastic canoe trip in Oregon with the dog whom was constantly fetching sticks and shaking off. I probably snapped 100 photos of Jake shaking off. Sometime this month I'm going to not only paint this concept again, but I'm going to do it on a larger scale (24" x 48") AND I'm going to film it start to finish. You'll be the first to know when it's done. Thanks for writing on the Blog!

Iris Scott 9/8/2011 | 1:33 AM

Kent? Well I like to call myself a Maple Valley-ite. I was born and raised here. I grew up out near Issaquah and went to Tahoma High school. We actually had a little border collie growing up named Bingo, she had markings real similar to Logger Dodger which might be why I was so preoccupied with her that day.
I didn't get to enjoy last year's ski season, did you? I know it really dumped and I'm willing to bet that it's going to be a similarly heavy winter this coming season don't you think? Is Seattle your home?

Outside the Snorting Elk Pub, She Waits

M Barrett 9/8/2011 | 1:00 AM

Yes, I am a local and a long time northwest skier! There is something so special about Crystal and the Snorting Elk. I wish I knew the dog...I don't. Nor the owners. But I can imagine her/him (the dog that is) patiently waiting outside. How did you come to be based in Kent of all places?

Iris Scott 9/7/2011 | 5:21 PM

Hi M. Barrett
I enjoyed seeing your post. A local skier are you? The Snorting Elk pub is just about the coolest place around. I've actually been there often just recently for the summer experience, but of course the painting describes a winter scene. Do you know that dog? His name, I think, is Logger Dodger, and practically lives up there in the winter chasing his/her owner across the mountain. While sipping beer after skiing last ski season I watched that dog track his owner's every move. As you might have noticed, there are three beers at the table, suggesting how Logger Dodger's master had stepped away. I snapped off several photos that night of the dog in the window, but I never did introduce myself to the people sitting at the table. Do you know the owners up there? Glad you liked the piece.

Iris Scott 9/5/2011 | 3:38 PM

Attn: M. Barrett:
This must mean you're local?

M Barrett 9/5/2011 | 3:27 PM

Love"Outside the Snorting Elk Pub, She Waits". Know this place well! I am contemplating purchasing this piece, as I keep coming back to it. Too wonderful!

Iris Scott 9/3/2011 | 10:35 AM

http://youtu.be/s3c_csiQlts
Go to this link or search "Iris Scott" on YouTube. I have added a fingerpainting video which begins to show HOW these are made. Enjoy.

Iris Scott 9/3/2011 | 10:34 AM

Attn: DT: Will I do more like "don't get wet".....funny you should ask....I'm just now planning out a larger, more powerful version of "don't get wet." I believe the dimensions will be 24 x 48. Hope to start it this September.

Iris Scott 8/19/2011 | 3:37 PM

Attn: M.N.Patil :
Your enthusiasm for the artwork is SO motivating...thank you....I'm back in the studio today and fingerpainting like crazy.

M.N.Patil 8/17/2011 | 4:19 AM

I love your work!!!! your style is wonderful. I never seen fingerpainting like this before. I can wait to have one or more of your originals.

Iris Scott 8/6/2011 | 3:18 PM

To T Brown: I'm so appreciative, thank you for the compliment.

T Brown 8/6/2011 | 7:15 AM

I love your work!!!! your style is wonderful. I never seen fingerpainting like this before. I can wait to have one or more of your originals.

P Wayland 7/22/2011 | 1:53 PM

Finally I have my very own Iris Scott Painting 'Torch on the Flowers'. I am very proud of you AND my new acquisition which I will cherish forever. Love 'ya Pam

D T 7/13/2011 | 2:15 PM

Will you do more like "don't get wet" I love love love it! I like "don't get dirty" but love to see the puppy's face

A Agusta 7/10/2011 | 8:51 PM

i saw this gallery online was a very nice one than the other.
-alfon-

Iris Scott 6/14/2011 | 8:58 PM

LIVE VIDEO from my studio in Seattle. http://www.ustream.tv/channel/www-irisfingerpaintings-com

Artichoke Bloom Bursts

C Tulloch 6/1/2011 | 3:31 PM

Iris, you're work is so amazing. I feel very fortunate and honored to be able to see it every day in person. -Christy

Outside the Snorting Elk Pub, She Waits

K McDonnell 5/23/2011 | 3:00 PM

Iris,
Great work. It must be really cool to use your fingers like that when you create. It is soo unique. Keep it up and raise your prices!
Kevin

P Wayland 5/18/2011 | 11:05 AM

My dear Iris, Your unique flare and exceptional talent continues to grow. I just love what you are doing and I am carefully watching for just the right size, topic and colors - and when I see it it will be mine! Never stop!
Pam

Iris Scott 5/12/2011 | 10:33 PM

Thank you Catherine McGregor! I think you've just inspired me to do a painting related to that one.

Go to www.irisfingerpaintings.com for the larger portfolio of art!! My website is again online!

Iris Scott 12/2/2010 | 8:32 PM

if you would like to see a larger image file of any of the paintings, PLEASE don't hesitate to ask and I will email the JPEG along. Peace!

Iris Scott 12/2/2010 | 11:33 AM

my website is temporarily down today, but will be up and running shortly.

Iris Scott 11/28/2010 | 12:09 AM

Fingerpainting!

Iris Scott 11/7/2010 | 4:50 PM

I'm so excited to announce two new huge pieces, "Tiny Fisherman Among Giants" as well as "Windblown Vine Maple Saplings." These fingerpaintings are two of my favorites! Additional artwork on display at www.irisfingerpaintings.com

Oil painting
on
stretched canvas
One-of-a-kind
Signed on front and back
2013

36" h x 36" w x 1.5" d
5 lbs. 1 oz.

$6,375

Financing available through

Payments as low as

Artwork Details

Comments About This Piece

I must note that the texture on this artwork is quite unusual. You'll be stunned when it arrives, as I literally scooped on the Ice Green in dramatic globs. The water spray of this movement-filled scene actually comes to sharp points of hardened paint. I encourage you to touch it. Monochromatic blues make up a silhouetted wet black lab as he sheds his soaked coat. This painting is another sister painting to my first wet dog painting, titled “Shakin' Off the Blues”. I prefer to paint with my fingertips because I can feel the oils more closely. I'm far more connected to the work using this technique, which I developed in 2010. I haven't really used a brush ever since. This piece is on a gallery wrapped canvas and the painting continues around the sides. It comes ready to hang.

Oil painting

Oil paint uses natural oils, such as linseed, poppy and walnut oil to bind the pigments. Oils are slow to dry, which allows the artist to rework the painting to achieve the desired effect. Also, they blend easily, which helps to achieve certain colors. With the rise of naturalism in 15th century Early Netherlandish painting, oil paints became preferred to quick drying tempera paint. Artists wanted a medium that would allow them to achieve detailed and precise effects in their paintings. Consider all of the detail in the masterpieces of Jan van Eyck and Hieronymus Bosch!

Stretched canvas

Canvas is a heavy-duty fabric used as a painting surface. When a canvas artwork is labeled stretched, it means the canvas has been wrapped around a wooden frame (the ''stretcher''). Stretched canvases typically do not require framing.

One-of-a-kind

A one-of-a-kind artwork is a unique piece handmade by the artist. There is only one in existence. The work may be part of a series, however, the piece itself is unlike any other. This piece is available exclusively at UGallery.

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